February 5, 2009

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

EARLY DETECTION METHODS FOR PANCREATIC CANCER URGENTLY NEEDED: A STATEMENT FROM THE
PANCREATIC CANCER ACTION NETWORK

EL SEGUNDO, CA – (February 5, 2009) – The following is a statement in response to the breaking news about Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer from Julie Fleshman, President and CEO of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, the only national organization creating hope in a comprehensive way through research, patient support, community outreach and advocacy for a cure.

“Our thoughts are with Justice Ginsburg today as we learn of her pancreatic cancer diagnosis and subsequent surgery and we wish her well on her recovery.

“The diagnosis of pancreatic cancer in the early stages is encouraging news for all patients. However, only 20 percent of patients are diagnosed early enough to qualify for surgery. The incidental discovery of pancreatic cancer in Justice Ginsburg reminds us of the urgent need for additional research funding to find early detection methods for the fourth leading cause of cancer death in the United States.

“The Pancreatic Cancer Research and Education Act (H.R. 745) was introduced in Congress last week by U.S. Representatives Anna Eshoo (D-CA) and Ginny Brown-Waite (R-FL) and is the first substantive legislative effort dedicated to advancing pancreatic cancer research and addressing the critical needs facing our research community. Once enacted and fully funded it will provide a greater focus on this disease and will provide the National Cancer Institute with the tools it needs to develop the early diagnostic methods and treatments that are currently lacking for pancreatic cancer patients.”

About the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network
The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network is the only national organization creating hope in a comprehensive way through research, patient support, community outreach and advocacy for a cure. The organization raises money for direct private funding of research—and advocates for more aggressive federal research funding of medical breakthroughs in prevention, diagnosis and treatment of pancreatic cancer.

The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network fills the void of information and options by giving patients and caregivers reliable, personalized information they need to make informed decisions. We create a sense of hope and community so no one has to face pancreatic cancer alone. The organization helps support individuals and communities all across the country work together to raise awareness and funds to find a cure for pancreatic cancer.

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MEDIA INQUIRIES ONLY CONTACT:
Jennifer Rosen
Senior Manager, Public Relations
Pancreatic Cancer Action Network
Direct: 310-706-3362
Email:jrosen@pancan.org

ALL OTHER INQUIRIES, PLEASE CALL THE PANCREATIC CANCER ACTION NETWORK AT 877-272-6226 OR EMAIL INFO@PANCAN.ORG.